Power Rankings

1. Pollock- While I think it’s a coincidence that the rankings are starting up again when our team is doing well, here we are. While I have some reservations putting us #1 and putting a “target on our backs”, I don’t think I can avoid it at this point. We’re ranked #1 in Runs Scored and #1 in Runs Against, which would be an unprecedented achievement if it holds true at years end.  

2. Bykofsky- Just like last year’s near championship team,  the 2017 Bykofsky club is dominating because they have the offensive punch to go along with the stellar defense that’s synonymous with Team Bykofsky. It helps when the captain is batting .750 past the midway point.  With homerun threats from both sides of the plate (Becker and Kleschinsky), there might be a battle to pick UH Left with Marrone. 

3. Brock- I’ll take time to anoint Justin Brock the heavy frontrunner for Marlboro Softball Player of the Decade. He’s won three championships, while playing two separate key positions, and has made a quick transition into being a successful captain. Now if only he could get someone to write a game summary! Does their negative run differential indicate their 10-4 record isn’t as strong as it looks? Their 5 game winning streak has included 3 one-run wins, and a 2-run victory. Last night’s victory against Marrone is a sign that more decisive victories are on the way.

4. Marrone- How many homeruns would Doc hit if all their games were played on UH Left? Doc is on the shortlist of MVP candidates, but it takes a team effort to put up an 11-4 record. Lots of credit goes to the array of rookies playing well above where they were picked in the draft. 

5. Goldfarb- If Brock is the player of the decade, Goldfarb is the favorite right now for captain of the 10’s. Coming into this season, only Jacoby had a better winning percentage as captain(.600 vs. .584) but this season, puts Goldy ahead. Goldfarb has played a remarkable stretch of five consecutive one run wins where four unfortunately (for them) resulted in losses. Call them the Anti-Brock. Still while I don’t think it’s a fluke that Brock pulled out their close call wins, I don’t think those four consecutive losses capture who this team is. 

6. Feldman- Now we’re getting into the sleepers section of the rankings. Team Feldman owns a negative runs differential thanks to two games where Feldman could not pitch. Their -0.9 differential turns into a +3.0 if you take out those two games. Will not drafting a back-up pitcher cost Feldman down the road? When Feldman is pitching, this team is as strong as almost anyone else. 

7. Wallman- Before the season started most predicted Wallman would have the best runs against but rank towards the bottom of runs scored. The season has pretty much stuck to that script as Wallman is ranked 2^nd in Runs Against but 10^th in Runs scored. If they want to break into the top 5, they will need to produce more runs in a season where high potent offenses are actually down(Only 5 teams currently average 10+ runs a game compared to 12 teams last year). 

8. Harris- The biggest surprise to most prognosticators is that Team Harris is holding its own midway through the year. The Harris Blueprint this year was to draft a very solid defense with just enough offense to win games.  As with Team Wallman, it’s a formula that has produced mixed results. Still, credit has to be given for Harris seeing the immediate potential in Zach Krauss, the clear favorite for most improved player thus far. Krauss and Schefkind have done their part in making it harder to pitch around Callow, but Justin still predictably leads the league in walks.

Other Quick Thoughts Around The League in No Particular Order:

Team Lapine- High potent offense is starting to play to its potential.  Whoever is winning the American League is crossing its fingers, Lapine finds its way out of the 8^th seed.

Team Sarcona- Close to making the Top 8. The stellar return to form season for Noel Gluck is a big reason why this team finds itself in the middle of the pack.

Team Randell- A few weeks ago it was beginning to look like the season was going off the rails. The team has shown some signs of life lately, and it will be interesting to see if they continue to turn their season around.

Team Granese- Many people, including myself, picked Granese to have the best record in the league. Suffice to say, at 6-8, they come in as the season’s biggest disappointment so far. Missed games are a big reason why as they are the only team that hasn’t played with a full 13. 

Team Applebaum- Ed Fradkin is VERY good at hitting softballs.

Team Jacoby- I’m not used to seeing a Team Jacoby ranked in the bottom 5 in Runs Against. In fact, it’s never happened. 

Team Paladino- Sure this is coming from a member of the one team Paladino has beaten so far, but they are NOT as bad as their record shows. Any team that has hitters like Mike Paladino and Ari Mesmer along with rookie standout Darren Saler can stay in any game. Their last four losses have all been by a margin of 1 or 2 runs.

Team Beilis- It’s been a pretty rough season so far, but when the first three picks are rookies the hope is the team will click come playoff time.